You know the drill. You wake up, and your back is killing you. You try to get out of bed, and it feels like a sharp knife is stabbing you in the spine. You want to scream but don’t want to wake up your roommate. Sound familiar? If you suffer from chronic back pain, then you know how debilitating it can be. But just because you have chronic back pain doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all the fun. Here are some tips on how to not let this condition ruin your life.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re going to be doing any activity requiring lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s better to use teamwork to get the job done than it is to try to do it yourself and end up in even more pain.
For example, if you’re going to a music festival or outdoor event, it might be worth getting a few of your friends together to help carry any camping or other necessary items.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t push through the pain. Listen to your body and take breaks as needed. This will allow you to enjoy the activity without overdoing it and worsening your pain.
Try low-impact activities.
If you find that doing more strenuous activities exacerbates your back pain, try something a bit lighter — like yoga or swimming. These types of exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in your back, which in turn can lessen your chronic pain.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more engaging and exciting, try hiking or kayaking. Both of these activities require minimal physical exertion, so they can be great options for people with back pain.
And if you rely on medications to manage your chronic pain, don’t forget to take them! This will ensure you can enjoy your time without being in too much pain.
Practice specific exercises.
If your pain stems from more defined health conditions, it’s crucial to practice easy exercises for scoliosis and back pain that can help manage the condition.
For example, if you have scoliosis, core-strengthening exercises and stretches are essential for keeping your spine in alignment. Gentle stretching can help reduce inflammation and pain if you have back pain due to sciatica.
You can also seek a physical therapist to teach you specific exercises tailored to your condition. This will not only make you feel better, but it will also give you the confidence to stay active despite your chronic back pain.
Wear comfortable shoes.
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important nonetheless. Wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels will only exacerbate your back pain. Instead, wear comfortable shoes that provide good support for your feet and ankles. This will help reduce the strain on your back.
For instance, if you’re going hiking, wear shoes that are designed for the outdoors. The same goes for any other physical activity — make sure your shoes provide the support and cushioning you need to stay comfortable.
On the other hand, if you know that you’re going to be on your feet for long periods of time, it might be worth investing in a pair of good orthopedic shoes. These are designed to reduce pain and provide extra cushioning for your back.
Finally, don’t sacrifice style, either. Plenty of fashionable shoes will provide the comfort and cushioning you need to keep your chronic back pain in check.
Use heat or ice therapy.
If you’re in a lot of pain, consider using heat or ice therapy to help relieve some of the swelling and discomfort. Heat therapy can be done with a heating pad or a warm bath, while ice therapy can be done with an ice pack or a cold compress.
In addition, consider doing some gentle stretching or massage to further help reduce the pain. You can start by doing simple neck and shoulder stretches or visiting a massage therapist who can work on the specific areas that are causing you pain.
Whichever method you choose, make sure not to leave the heat or ice on for too long so as not to cause more damage. Instead, if the problem gets worse, seek medical attention right away.
Sometimes, chronic back pain can be overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can still stay active and enjoy life despite your condition. Don’t let chronic back pain keep you from doing the things you love — take steps to manage it, get help when needed, practice specific exercises tailored to your condition, choose comfortable shoes, and use heat or ice therapy as needed.
